A NORTH Yorkshire Michelin star chef is looking for Yorkshire’s best young chef.

James Mackenzie, of The Pipe and Glass Inn at South Dalton has teamed up with JSR Farming Group and its Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School, to stage a competition which will help young people progress in their catering careers and also promote the region’s finest produce.

The Golden Apron cookery competition is open to 14 to 19-year-olds throughout Yorkshire and will take place from March 3 to April 29.

Students from more than 350 schools and colleges are being invited to take part.

The winner will be given a work placement at the Pipe and Glass, where he or she will be mentored by Mr Mackenzie.

The prize also includes an internship at East Yorkshire butchers Cranswick, working on the Sainsbury’s account alongside the company’s product development team.

Mr Mackenzie said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for young cooks to show what they are made of.

“Many chefs complain about the lack of young talent coming into the industry, so I’m keen to help give young people an opportunity to boost their CV, experience and confidence. We hope The Golden Apron will encourage and excite the next generation into choosing a career in cookery.”

Entrants must create a dish using locally-sourced pork as a core ingredient, working with a £10 budget for two servings. They must submit an application form online at yorkshirewoldscookeryschool.co.uk with their recipe, and a supporting image. Entries will be broken down into two age groups, 14 to 16 years and 17 to 19, and will be judged on cost, appearance, originality, seasonality and use of local produce.

Three finalists will receive mentoring and work experience with James. The finalists will cook a course for 80 guests at a grand final dinner on April 29 at The Pipe and Glass.